COSTI
Raajkumar Kannan is an experienced manager specializing in employment services for internationally trained professionals, currently serving as the Manager of Newcomer Employment Services at COSTI since May 2006. Kannan oversees various programs, including the ITI Solutions-Bridging the Gap to Employment and the Expressway Cybersecurity Bridging program, focusing on improving labor market integration in sectors such as Finance, IT, Health, and Engineering. Previous roles include Assistant Manager, Team Lead, and Facilitator, where Kannan demonstrated a strong ability to supervise teams, improve operational processes, and develop community partnerships. Kannan holds advanced degrees in Public Administration and Justice System Administration from York University, as well as a Master's in Psychology and an MBA with a focus on Marketing.
COSTI
Meeting the needs of a diverse society since 1952, COSTI is a community-based multicultural agency providing employment, educational, settlement and social services to all immigrant communities, new Canadians and individuals in need of assistance. Operating from 17 locations in Toronto, York Region and the Region of Peel, COSTI provides services in more than 60 languages. We help over 39,000 individuals received assistance. Services and programs include: Specialized employment services for internationally trained individuals, as well as information and referral to appropriate services, employment assessment and counselling, work placement, job search training and job development for adults and youth; mentoring and Recruitment and Human Resources services for Employers; English language (ESL and LINC), skills training and Enhanced Language Training (ELT) programs Settlement services including orientation, information, counselling and cultural interpretation for recently-arrived immigrants; Post-settlement support for settled immigrants who continue to require social and government services; Housing and settlement supports for Government-Assisted Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Privately-Sponsored Refugees Family counselling and mental health services Housing support for families facing eviction, or those marginally housed Help for immigrant women to overcome barriers in their lives and to access opportunities Services specific to the needs of seniors to help them lead a satisfying and dignified life Translation and interpretation services